CLEVELAND, OHIO – As more and more manufacturers are making the switch to prepainted metal, also known as coil coated metal, the demand for another metal innovation, antimicrobial-coated metal, is on the rise.

In heating, ventilation, cooling and culinary applications, antimicrobial precoated metal can provide health benefits by providing a cost-effective way for manufacturers to inhibit the growth of damaging bacteria on their products. Antimicrobial precoated metal provides protection throughout the normal service life of the product.

Unlike post-painting, which only coats the exterior of a fabricated part, coil coating offers more protection because the antimicrobial coating is applied to the inaccessible areas as well, such as the interiors of HVAC ductwork, hemmed edges, and tubes. Additionally, the primer and paint, either of which could contain the antimicrobial additive, are tightly bonded to the metal and are often applied to both sides of the metal.

With increased awareness of health and environmental issues, the public is learning that unhealthful molds, mildews, and other microbes tend to infiltrate buildings, air ducts and food preparation environments. By bringing together better regulated temperature and humidity control with antimicrobial coated metal, a properly precoated antimicrobial product will help suppress the growth of these microbes in HVAC systems and cooking areas. Products prepainted with antimicrobial agents are becoming more and more attractive for use in office buildings, hotels, schools, restaurants, food preparation areas, cafeterias, doctor’s offices, appliances and other applications.

The benefits to coil coated metals are nearly endless. In addition to offering a cleaner environment with antimicrobial coatings, prepainted metal also increases productivity during the manufacturing process, and are effectively handled, cut with superior corrosion resistance, joined, and easily formed for many uses. For more information, visit www.coilcoatinginstitute.org or call the NCCA at 216-241-7333.